On November 6, 2024, the event "Tackling Conflict-related Sexual Violence through Education: A Faith-based Approach", was held in Rome. It was organized by the British Embassy to the Holy See in collaboration with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), at the Jesuit Curia. The meeting highlighted the fundamental role of the Catholic Church and other faith organizations in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence in contexts of conflict.

In the morning, numerous experts and religious leaders stressed the importance of education as a tool to tackle this serious crime, too often neglected and underfunded. Father Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, opened the proceedings, highlighting the commitment of the Jesuits to support vulnerable populations and to promote a cultural change that favors the respect and dignity of women and girls. With the notable interventions we include the speech made by Victor Setibo, JRS Country Director in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who shared his experiences on the ground in fighting conflict-related sexual violence in Central Africa.

The key moment of the meeting was the presentation of the Declaration of Humanity, a charter that unites religious leaders of different faiths in a common commitment to prevent sexual violence in conflicts and to combat the stigma that affects victims. The declaration received the support of numerous international organizations, underlining the urgency of a coordinated global action.

The event featured several organizations, including Erica Hall of World Vision UK and Mónica Santamarina, President General of the World Union of Catholic Women's Organizations (WUCWO), who discussed the challenges and opportunities of a faith-based approach to preventing sexual violence in conflict contexts.

The concluding session offered a collective reflection on the next steps, reiterating the importance of concerted action between faith communities, international institutions and local organizations to address this global crisis and protect the rights of victims of sexual violence.